Midland County Connection & Dial-A-Ride Transit Study

The City of Midland, with support from representatives of the City of Midland Dial-A-Ride (DART), County Connection of Midland, Midland Area Transportation Study, Midland County government, and other local stakeholders, initiated the study. Currently, public transit service in the Midland area is provided by two transit programs, DART and County Connection of Midland. Considerations for changing the two-system structure into a consolidated operation are set forth as an important part of the local and regional strategic plan to attract economic growth, strengthen service offerings for current residents, keep costs to residents effective, and further public transit responsiveness and connectivity in the local area and the region. Both the DART and County Connection of Midland provide valuable public transportation services. DART is a demand-response transportation service within Midland's city limits. County Connection of Midland operates demand-response public transportation services throughout all of Midland County. The two agencies coordinate when possible, but the study was prompted by recent and ongoing population and economic growth in the city and county, which have changed the demands on local transportation resources. Particularly concerning is the need to travel across the city limits or urbanized area boundaries for daily functions, including employment, shopping, medical, and recreation. This plan provides reorganization options for the City and County to consider in light of the nature of transit demand and potential efficiencies and customer service benefits that could be realized from a shared service. Reorganizing functions involves bringing the capacities and expertise of two transit provider organizations together for mutual advantage. Centralized procurement, dispatching, maintenance, and administration are four primary efficiencies and benefits that can be achieved through reorganization. However, significant challenges, such as a larger transit facility (or facilities) that are appropriate for a single transit system, transitioning the workforce, new procedures for operations and maintenance functions, new operating policies, and establishing different governance and administrative structures, must be fully explored and addressed before reorganizing. This report outlines the structure for overcoming each challenge and notes that some foundational steps would require additional time and funding. This report includes a summary profile of the operating and financial characteristics of the two transit agencies as they operate today; an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the potential restructuring options; a detailed description of the options selected by the local project committee after the analysis; and a recommended implementation plan.